The Big Step – From High School to CEGEP

BY: Lori Leonard

Issue 37

Friday, March 27, 2020

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Getting
ready for “The Big Step” from high school to CEGEP can require a lot of
preparation for students, parents and teachers. Though many students are
prepared, it is certainly a transition period. Some students are more prepared
than others and the same can apply to parents. Students are often much less
prepared for the environmental changes and study methods.

Leaving
home can be scary for some students and for their parents. There is no
residence for students at the CEGEP level, but Student Services can assist in
finding a safe place for students to live.

At
17 years old, CEGEP students are considered to be adults and are treated as such.
They must understand they are responsible for their own homework and
assignments. If they do not hand in their assignments, there are consequences.
This is contrary to high school where teachers provide reminders about homework
and assignment dates. The autonomy in CEGEP can be a “rude awakening” for some
students.

Another
big adjustment in CEGEP is that students are exposed to other students from many
diverse cultures including a wide range of religious beliefs, languages, backgrounds
and cuisine so it may take some time for students to adjust.

Students
must also learn about time management and how to use their time more carefully.
In high school students have the entire year (September to June) to learn or
catch on to a subject, but in CEGEP a semester consists of only 15 weeks. Students
commence CEGEP in August and mid-term exams take place in October, so they must
“hit the ground running”. According to some teachers, CEGEP is not a marathon,
but a sprint. Teachers suggest it is best for students to seek out resources
such as counsellors or tutors early on if they encounter study problems or have
difficulty learning a subject, rather than waiting until mid-term assessments.

Another
difference between high school and CEGEP is that class attendance isn’t
necessarily taken. Therefore, it is integral that students develop the maturity
to attend class. During the initial weeks of CEGEP, students may feel
alone. A remedy may be to attend welcome
activities or join an association or club to meet new friends.

Parents
may be surprised to learn that once a student turns 18, by law, a teacher or
school officiant can no longer discuss their child’s school activities or
marks. It is considered to be confidential information for the student only. Parents
will need to take a step back and let students solve their own problems.

Parents
can help their child become comfortable with their new CEGEP environment by
reviewing the student syllabus, course descriptions and due dates for exams and
papers together. Students usually attend CEGEP for two years for pre-university
programs, three years for technical or career-oriented programs and may stay as
long as five years depending on the program. There is no tuition for CEGEP as
they are open to the public, but there are auxiliary fees of approximately
$175.00 to $200.00 per semester, plus extra fees for student associations, the
sports complex, registration fees, health insurance, etc.

The
best way to choose the right CEGEP is for students and parents to attend open
houses at a few different CEGEPs, and the best time to do so is while the
student is in grade 10. This way both students and parents will be
well-prepared for “The Big Step”.